Museum Research

The Freer and Sackler Galleries maintain research as an integral part of their mission. Research may focus on the permanent collections or be undertaken in preparation for a special exhibition. In addition to studying the objects themselves, researchers' work takes them into the Freer|Sackler Library and Archives, as well as far afield to examine other collections. Their work is generally interdisciplinary, carried out in close collaboration with conservation scientists, historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and other specialists. F|S researchers are involved in dozens of ongoing projects, often with colleagues from institutions around the world. The results of their work can be seen in a variety of formats, including exhibition catalogues, scholarly publications, and online resources. See below to find out more about research projects, researchers, and their recent publications, as well as awards and prizes given by the Freer|Sackler in recognition of distinguished scholarship.

We are excited to reopen the Freer in October 2017, following a renovation to allow us to better present our art and serve our visitors. The Sackler remains open, with a full lineup of exhibitions and events both in the museum and around DC. For your safety, all visitors will have their bags checked. See the complete list of restricted items and bag sizes.